DOJ sends letter to Congress with list of people named in Epstein files, including Trump: Report
The Hill
by Sophie BramsFebruary 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The Justice Department (DOJ) has sent a letter to Congress detailing its reasoning behind the redactions in the Jeffrey Epstein files made public earlier this year. The six-page letter, addressed to leaders of the Senate and House Judiciary committees, includes a list of individuals named in the files who are classified as government officials or politically exposed persons. Notably, the list reportedly includes former President Donald Trump, among other high-profile figures. This move by the DOJ comes amid ongoing scrutiny over the handling of Epstein’s legal affairs and the transparency of the documents released to the public.
The letter was shared with Politico and aims to justify why certain information in the files remains redacted. The DOJ stated that the redactions were necessary to protect sensitive information, including national security concerns, investigative techniques, and personal privacy rights. However, critics argue that the lack of transparency raises questions about accountability and whether the redactions are appropriately justified.
This development is significant for several reasons. First, it highlights the ongoing debate over government transparency and how public records should be handled. The inclusion of Trump’s name in the files has sparked renewed interest in Epstein’s alleged connections to prominent individuals. Additionally, the letter underscores the complexities involved in balancing national security concerns with public access to information.
For readers interested in politics, this story matters because it touches on issues of accountability, government oversight, and the potential for high-ranking officials being linked to controversial figures like Epstein. The release of the letter has reignited discussions about how the DOJ manages sensitive cases and whether its decisions align with public expectations of transparency. As Congress continues to review the matter, questions about the redactions and their implications
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Originally published on The Hill on 2/15/2026